Does a Cognitive Skills Training Program for Prisoners Affect Neurocognitive Functioning and Heart Rate Activity?
Abstract
This study investigates changes in neurobiological characteristics after a cognitive skills program for prisoners. It was hypothesized that prisoners who completed a cognitive skills training program would show improved neurocognitive functioning and changes in heart rate (HR) activity. In addition, it was expected that neurobiological changes were related to behavioral improvement. Male adult prisoners were included in the study and divided into two groups: the “intervention group”—prisoners participating in a cognitive skills training program—and the “control group”—prisoners placed on a waitlist. Several neurocognitive skills and HR activity measures were assessed at pre- and posttest assessment. In addition, trainers, prison officers, and prisoners were requested to evaluate behavioral changes over time. Results did not confirm the hypotheses. The absence of both neurobiological and behavioral improvement is discussed in light of the measures used, the content and duration of the current intervention program, and the prison setting.
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Biographies
Liza J. M. Cornet finished her PhD in the field of biocriminology and works as a researcher at the Dutch Ministry of Justice where she investigates the added value of neuroscience for the (juvenile) justice system.
Peter H. Van der Laan is professor of probation at the VU University Amsterdam, and is engaged in research in the field of juvenile delinquency and (youth) criminal law, with a special focus on criminal justice intervention.
Henk L. I. Nijman is professor of forensic psychology at Radboud University Nijmegen, and his research mainly focuses on aggression, psychopathology, and risk assessment of psychiatric/forensic patients.
Nikolaj Tollenaar works as a researcher at the Dutch Ministry of Justice. His research interests include research methodology, recidivism prediction modeling, chronic offenders, and quasi-experiments in the criminal justice domain.
Catharina H. de Kogel, PhD, is senior researcher at the Dutch Ministry of Justice, and is engaged in research in the field of biocriminology, neuroscience and legal practice, and effectiveness and innovation of judicial interventions and sanctions.
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